Bear hang (general term)
Overview
Bear hang is a general term for any method of suspending food and scented items off the ground using lines, branches, or structures to make them harder for wildlife to access.
Key points
- Includes a variety of rope-and-tree methods as well as use of dedicated hang hardware.
- Execution, effectiveness, and appropriateness vary with local conditions and regulations.
- The term is descriptive and does not specify a particular technique or standard.
Details
The phrase "bear hang" is used broadly in hiking discussions to refer to suspending food off the ground. It encompasses multiple techniques that use branches, lines, and sometimes pulleys or designated hardware. Historically, bear hangs were more widely promoted in some regions; in others, land managers now emphasize other storage approaches such as approved canisters or lockers. This glossary entry uses the term in a neutral way, recognizing that practices and requirements differ substantially between locations and over time.
Related topics
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Illustrative hiking footage
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